Bremerton ordinance reining in landlords takes effect

BREMERTON — The city’s landlords have until the end of the month to meet new licensing requirements, under an ordinance passed by the City Council that went into effect Jan. 1.

More than 1,200 landlords already have completed the tighter requirements, which include providing city hall with a list of their properties, a secondary point of contact and a declaration that they are in compliance with state landlord-tenant law.

In June, the council unanimously passed the new ordinance as a response to what council members said was an ongoing problem with a select number of landlords who appeared to be out of compliance with state law and city code. Such landlords are detrimental to their own properties and tenants and the neighborhoods around them, the council said.

Though some landlords spoke out against the new regulations, the Puget Rental Owners Association supported it as a way to expand the so-called landlord notification program, which notifies landlords of any police activity at their properties.

Failing to register with the city can result in a $1,000 fine, and violations with state law or city code can send the violator before the city’s hearing examiner, who can levy fines.

Jeanette Wischhoefer with the city’s tax and licensing division said many landlords have already met the new regulations. But it will be hard to tell if every property is registered. City Auditor Gary Nystul estimated in a 2013 audit that there are 8,550 rentals in Bremerton.

Once Jan. 31 — the deadline to have a 2013 license — passes, the city will seek to gain complete compliance. The city’s 2014 budget includes temporary staffing to help register all landlords.

Until then, “We won’t really know” how many there are, Wischhoefer said.

Landlords found to have rentals not listed with the city will get a letter in the mail to start. Those who fail to comply could face the fines.

Landlord business licenses, like the city’s general business licenses, are $75. Landlords need only one license regardless of how many rental units they have.

The landlord requirements mirror new regulations on abandoned properties passed in March by the council. Owners of abandoned properties — ones in foreclosure, with little chance of tenants but a strong likelihood of squatters — must also register their properties with the city, meet state and local laws and provide a local point of contact or face fines.

Got a license?

If you are a Bremerton landlord and have not yet registered your rental properties with the city, contact the tax and license division at 360-473-5311 or at taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us.